One of the grading aspects is scratches and other things that detract. Here is what I send to people selling trays on Ebay. Many do not describe accurately because they don't know what to look for:

Would you please hold this ashtray to bright light and look thru the ink and tell me of any pinholes, scratches, or wear marks. If any please give the number.

Also, would you run your finger around the inside rim and around cigarette rests and tell me of any small chips(fleabites) that you can detect.

Finally, would you look at the backside of the tray and tell me if the ink is bright and shiny or dull indicating table wear.

If it is a fancy 4 lobe tray such as the El Rey pictured below, I send this:

Would you please hold this ashtray to bright light and look thru the ink and tell me of any pinholes, scratches, or wear marks. If any please give the number.

Also, would you run your finger around the inside rim and around cigarette rests and tell me of any small chips(fleabites) that you can detect.

Finally, would you look at the backside of the tray and tell me if the ink is bright and shiny or dull indicating table wear.

Oh, one other thing on this style of ashtray, are the little nibs at 3,6,9, and 12 0'clock positons all there and free of any chips or nicks.

Good Luck,

Mark & Lynn